A total of 144 women from the villages of Pesaku, Rarampadende, Ngata Baru, Pombewe, Ramba, and Wisolo in Sigi Regency are now members of the Women’s Economic Business Group (KUEP), which aims to enhance their economic independence. In this effort, CARE Indonesia is collaborating with Karsa Institute, with support from UN Women and funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), to strengthen KUEP through institutional development and entrepreneurship training to support family economies.

One of the initiatives implemented is a savings-based lending system, where KUEP members can save by exchanging coins. This system has been positively received by members, who see it as an opportunity to save while also interacting with one another. Each member is committed to holding regular meetings as a time for saving as well as a space for discussions and sharing experiences. In the future, KUEP plans to develop new businesses, such as coconut oil production and the making of fruit and cassava chips, to strengthen the economic welfare of its members’ families.